Switching to natural refrigerants is an effective way to decarbonise industrial cooling. Natural refrigerants, such as ammonia, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons, have significantly lower global warming potential than their synthetic counterparts.
The process of switching to natural refrigerants involves identifying the refrigerants currently in use, assessing the feasibility of using natural refrigerants, and replacing the old refrigerants with natural ones.
Here are some benefits of switching to natural refrigerants:
Reduced carbon footprint: Natural refrigerants have a much lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to synthetic refrigerants. For example, the GWP of R-404A, a commonly used synthetic refrigerant, is 3,922, whereas the GWP of ammonia, a natural refrigerant, is 0.
Energy savings: Natural refrigerants can operate at lower pressures in all parts of the cycle, which reduces the amount of energy required to run the refrigeration system. Additionally, natural refrigerants have better thermodynamic properties, allowing for more efficient cooling.
Increased safety: Natural refrigerants are generally installed using heavy grade welded steel pipe and therefore don’t leak as often as synthetic refrigerants. Synthetic refrigerants, such as HFCs, are often hazardous and require special handling and disposal.
Regulatory compliance: The use of synthetic refrigerants is becoming increasingly regulated due to their negative impact on the environment. By switching to natural refrigerants, businesses can ensure they are complying with current and future regulations.
Improved reputation: Consumers are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious and are more likely to support businesses that prioritise sustainability. Switching to natural refrigerants can improve a business's reputation and attract environmentally conscious customers.
Metrics:
According to the EPA, every KG of HFC emissions avoided is equivalent to avoiding 4,000 KG’s of CO2 emissions.
The Natural Resources Defence Council estimates that a full transition to natural refrigerants in the U.S. could reduce emissions by 27.5 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent per year.
The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol aims to phase down the use of HFCs globally, with a goal of reducing HFC consumption by 80% by 2047. Switching to natural refrigerants can help businesses comply with these regulations and contribute to global emissions reductions.